The 20 Best Winter Hats of 2023

Patagonia’s Snowbelle Beanie is our top pick.

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Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

Whether you live in a cold-weather destination or are simply visiting one for a ski vacation, having a winter hat is always a good idea. There are practically limitless styles from which to choose, from classic beanies and fuzzy trapper hats to streamlined running caps, each with its own pros and cons.

If you’re in the market for a new winter hat, we’ve compiled this list to help you start your shopping journey. Our top pick is the Patagonia Snowbelle Beanie, which we love for its traditional knit-and-pom style, moisture-wicking internal fleece headband, and fun colors.

REI

It’s made of recycled materials.

It’s not water-resistant.

The Patagonia Snowbelle Beanie is the perfect blend of style and function — it has a classic knit design with a ribbed fold-over cuff (you can adjust this to ensure the tops of your ears are covered) and a tufted pompom. But it’s also incredibly practical in terms of keeping your head warm; that fold-over cuff is lined with fleece to trap the heat in and serve as an ear-warming, moisture-wicking headband.

We love that the entire hat is made from soft recycled wool and recycled nylon, and that it comes in a variety of colors and patterns (though you may need to search different retail sites to see them all). Unfortunately, the final result isn’t waterproof or water-resistant, so if you wear it while it’s snowing, it can get quite wet. In our experience, however, it never gets wet enough to soak through to your head. So whether you’re hitting the slopes or running errands on a cold day, we think the Patagonia Snowbelle Beanie is the perfect accessory to keep you warm and stylish.

Price at time of publish: $55

The Details: One size | Recycled wool, recycled nylon

Amazon

There are multiple colors from which to choose.

You can’t buy these beanies individually.

The Zooron Beanie is a cozy addition to any winter wardrobe. The slouchy design adds a touch of modern style to this classic winter accessory — it’s a unisex hat that works for all. The beanie is available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your personal style. It is made with soft, stretchy synthetic materials, providing a snug and comfortable fit that keeps the cold out. One thing to be aware of, however, is that it’s only sold in pairs or as a pack of four — consider this beanie so reasonably priced, it almost feels like a two-for-one deal!

Price at time of publish: $11

The Details: One size | Polyester, cotton

Canada Goose

It’s extremely warm.

The lining is made from duck down and the fur trim is real; it’s also dry clean-only.

The Aviator Hat from Canada Goose is perfect for any winter adventurer. With a water-resistant cotton shell, duck down fill, and a fur lining, this hat is designed to keep you protected from the elements in even the harshest conditions. The hat features a classic aviator design, complete with ear flaps and a chin strap — these features are both functional and stylish, cocooning your face in the plush fur. It’s important to note that the fur is real, which not everyone will appreciate. And as such, this hat should be dry cleaned rather than hand or machine washed.

Price at time of publish: $325

The Details: Small/medium, large/extra large | Fur, duck down, cotton | Water resistant

Amazon

It comes in fun colors beyond just the basics.

It has a brand logo on the front, which isn’t everyone’s style.

Originally known as the Acrylic Watch Hat, the Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie is a durable accessory that was once a work hat and is now a fashion statement. Made from thick, 100 percent acrylic rib knit, this hat provides just enough stretch to be comfortable, though there are two sizes to choose from. And there are more than a dozen color options, too, including fun hues like bright lime and marine blue. Just note that the beanie does have a large Carhartt patch on the front of the cuff, which may not be the aesthetic you’re going for. Given its hardy construction, this hat can be machine washed and tumbled dry on low, making maintenance a breeze.

Price at time of publish: $20

The Details: Medium/large, large/extra large | Acrylic rib knit

Lululemon

It has a ponytail opening.

It runs large.

If you’re looking for something lightweight and aerodynamic, Lululemon’s Run For It All Beanie fits the bill. It’s made from a thin water-repellant tech fleece that has four-way stretch and a brushed texture for warmth. It can be worn both on its own or as a layering piece (say, under a ski helmet), making it a great choice for a variety of different winter activities. One of its best features is the “Set-My-Ponytail-Free” opening so you can tie your hair back without worry. It also has reflective details for road-running safety. This beanie does run a bit large, however — there’s only one size, so those with smaller heads might not get the fit they’re looking for.

Price at time of publish: $38

The Details: One-size | Tech fleece fabric | Water resistant

Amazon

It has a lifetime waterproof guarantee.

There’s no cuff to roll down over your ears.

Whether you plan on being outside in light rain during the winter or perhaps heavy snow, this knit beanie will keep your head dry. It has a three-layer construction: the outer layer is a knit acrylic that gives the hat its beanie aesthetic, the middle layer is a waterproof membrane, and the inside layer is a micro-fleece for warmth. Even with the waterproof layer, this hat is machine washable, though you shouldn’t tumble dry it — let it air dry instead. What we love most about this hat, however, is the fact it comes with a lifetime waterproof guarantee. One thing to consider is that there’s no cuff to adjust where the hat falls on your forehead and ears.

Price at time of publish: $40

The Details: Small/medium, large/extra large, XXL | Acrylic, dri-vent membrane, polyester | Waterproof

Orvis

It’s handmade by a family-run hat maker.

It won’t keep your ears warm.

For a more tailored look than you’ll find with a beanie, opt for a classic driving cap. This one is handmade by a family-run hat maker in England for artisanal quality. The only downside to this style of hat is that it doesn’t cover your ears, so they may get cold. For that reason, we think it’s best to wear this hat in mild winter weather. Plus, the tweed is rather thin, so it doesn’t provide the utmost insulation. That does, however, make it a particularly effective lightweight travel hat.

Price at time of publish: $98

The Details: 7, 7 and one-eighth, 7 and one-fourth, 7 and three-eighths, 7.5, 7 and five-eighths | Tweed

Amazon

It’s water resistant.

It’s lined with faux fur which may not be to everyone’s tastes.

The Superior Down Trapper Cap from Eddie Bauer is designed to provide maximum warmth and comfort in any weather, making it the ideal accessory for outdoor winter activities — and that includes walking around a city on a cold day! The water-resistant acrylic-polyester shell is filled with down insulation for warmth, then lined with faux fabric for extra coziness. As with most trapper hats, you can wear the ear flaps down over your ears or tied above the hat for two distinct looks. It only comes in two colors — black and charcoal gray — but fortunately those two colors look good on just about everyone.

Price at time of publish: $65

The Details: Small/medium, large/extra large | Acrylic, polyester | Water resistant

L.L. Bean

It has retro vibes.

It has a swim cap–like fit that may not suit larger heads.

L.L. Bean’s Mountain Classic Fit Beanie is a fitted hat that has a retro vibe. It’s made from 100 percent polyester fleece — it has an anti-pill finish to keep that fleece nice and smooth — and comes in a bright blue and a teal, keeping with the retro theme. While the fleece is quite warm and windproof, it’s not waterproof. We do, however, love that it’s super lightweight and therefore portable and packable. The only potential problem with this hat is that it’s a little shallow, and comes without a cuff so it’s not adjustable. Those with larger heads might find the hat falls off easily.

Price at time of publish: $25

The Details: One size | Polyester

Garnet Hill

It's handmade.

It's expensive.

We have to admit, winter hats are not always the most fashion-forward accessories. If you want a touch of warmth without sacrificing any style, Garnet Hill’s Hat Attack Wool Hat is for you. It is made out of wool which provides warmth, but there are no ear flaps (nor a down fill or faux-fur lining) to really keep you toasty. But this hat has a high-fashion element to it, with a beautiful leather trim as a bonus detail. It’s handmade in the U.S. and extremely high quality.

Price at time of publish: $149

The Details: One size | Wool, leather trim

Athleta

It’s made from recycled polyester.

Faux-shearling can get matted once washed.

Faux-shearling is a go-to material in the wintertime, and it’s no wonder why. It’s extremely soft and cozy, and it has a fabulous plush look. We love that the Athleta Cozy Tugga Beanie is offered in two different colors — a classic ivory and a warm mahogany — to suit different styles. The overall look is a very classic beanie with a cuff to adjust sizing, making it appropriate as streetwear. But don’t be mistaken: This is an extremely warm hat, and it can certainly be used for active outdoor winter adventures. What’s more, it’s made from recycled polyester, a material sourced from plastic bottles to reduce waste.

Price at time of publish: $45

The Details: One size | Polyester, recycled polyester

Backcountry

It has ear flaps for extra warmth.

The ear flaps can’t be tied above the hat.

Nothing says “classic winter hat” more than a Fair Isle pattern paired with a pompom and two tasseled ear flaps. That’s exactly what you’ll get with the North Face Fair Isle Earflap Beanie. For those who don’t like the fur or faux-fur look of trapper hats, this is a perfect alternative that provides ear flaps for warmth (though they can’t be tied above the hat the way they can on trapper hats). The hat is made from recycled polyester and lined with a raschel fleece for added insulation.

Price at time of publish: $40

The Details: Small/medium, large/extra large | Recycled polyester, fleece lining

The North Face

It has a moisture-wicking sweatband.

It has a brand logo on the front.

Flat-brim hats might not be the first thing you think of when you imagine winter hats, but this one hits the cold-weather marks. For starters, the cap itself is made of recycled polyester fleece for warmth, and it also has ear flaps that can be flipped up or down to keep your ears out of the wind. As for the colors, you could opt for a classic black — or you can go for a retro camo in bright hues, which is definitely our pick. Just keep in mind that the hat prominently features The North Face logo, which might not suit your style preferences.

Price at time of publish: $45

The Details: One size | Recycled polyester fleece

Smartwool

There’s a two-year guarantee.

It’s not 100 percent wool.

Though most beanies are made from entirely synthetic materials, Smartwool’s Cozy Cabin Hat is made from a merino wool and recycled polyester blend (the mix is 55 percent and 45 percent, respectively) that combines natural insulation with the durability of a synthetic. The hat is knit with double layers for added warmth. Smartwool also provides a “Go Far. Feel Good. Guarantee,” which means you can return the hat at any time within two years of purchase for a gift card (but not a refund to your method of purchase — that must be done within 45 days of purchase, and the hat must be unworn).

Price at time of publish: $35

Amazon

It’s made from recycled polyester.

The pompom is absolutely massive.

For those who really want to make a statement with their pompom, this is the winter hat for you. The faux-fur pompom on The North Face’s Oh Mega Fur Pom Beanie, which comes in different colors depending on the fabric, is absolutely enormous. The beanie itself is made with cable-knit acrylic for a classic wintry look, which we think is rather elegant, but the pompom is definitely the focal point of this hat.

Price at time of publish: $45

The Details: One size | Faux fur, recycled polyester

Backcountry

We love the look and feel of this Barbour-knit beanie.

It includes a Barbour label on the cuff which might not be to everyone’s tastes.

Many winter beanies have a cable-knit pattern, but the Barbour Penshaw Cable Beanie takes the cake with its exceptionally chunky knit pattern. The hat, which comes in four neutral colors, plays up texture across the board — there’s a ribbed cuff, the chunky cable-knit hat, and a faux-fur pompom. It’s made from soft-knit acrylic that gives the whole hat a very plush texture and makes it quite warm. There’s a Barbour emblazoned leather badge on the cuff, but it’s rather small and unobtrusive compared to some of the branded patches on other winter hats.

Price at time of publish: $50

The Details: One size | Acrylic

Overland

It’s extremely elegant.

It only comes in one size.

Channel après ski à la Lady Gaga in House of Gucci with a papkha-style hat. The luxurious Overland Peruvian Alpaca Fur Cossack Hat is, as its name suggests, made entirely from extremely soft Peruvian alpaca fur, which is naturally insulating and therefore very warm. But because of this material, the hat is quite expensive — and it requires some delicate maintenance. You should store the hat in its original box, in a cool area away from sunlight when you’re not wearing it, and if you need to clean it, it’s best to take it to a professional. It’s also worth noting that this hat is one-size and not particularly stretchy, so it may sit differently on different heads.

Price at time of publish: $149

The Details: One size | Peruvian alpaca fur

Alo

It’s made of warm faux-shearling.

It has an Alo logo on the front.

Bucket hats are back in style, and there are even winter versions you can wear in cold weather. Case in point: the Alo Foxy Sherpa Bucket Hat. This fuzzy bucket hat comes in three colors — ivory, camel, and black — and two sizes. It’s one of many hats in Alo’s faux-shearling line; you can also find a faux-shearling baseball cap and a trapper hat. As with all Alo products, there’s a logo emblazoned on this hat — front and center. We love the combination of the bucket silhouette and plush texture for a unique winter look.

Price at time of publish: $78

The Details: Small/medium, medium/large | Faux-shearling fur

Amazon

It can also be worn as a neck gaiter.

You might want to layer another hat on top for extra warmth.

If you want full coverage — say, of your head, chin, and neck — then a balaclava might be the best winter headwear for you. Ideal for runners, skiers and snowboarders, and winter cyclists, the Under Armour GoldGear Infrared Balaclava uses a thermo-conductive inner coating to reflect your own body heat back to you, warming you up. With that technology, the material can be quite thin but still warm. Still, you might feel the hood itself isn’t warm enough, in which case you can always layer another hat on top. What we love most about this balaclava is that it has perforations over the nose and mouth for easy breathing, and it can be converted into a gaiter.

Price at time of publish: $45

The Details: One size | Polyester, elastane

L.L. Bean

It has a retro look.

It doesn't cover the ears.

Baseball caps are certainly more common in the summer than in the winter, but the L.L. Bean Sherpa Five-Panel Hat has one main feature that makes it perfect for cold weather — it’s made of polyester faux-shearling fleece. The brim, on the other hand, is made of corduroy, and we love the juxtaposition of the textures that offer a retro feel. Though this is a one-size hat, there is an adjustable strap in the back to ensure a good fit. The only downside is there’s nothing to cover your ears to keep them warm.

Price at time of publish: $40

The Details: One size | Polyester faux-shearling fleece

For both warm and cold weather, hats come in a variety of styles. Some are better suited for particular head shapes and sizes, so you might want to try on a few options before making a purchase.

Do you need a hat for yard work, skiing, or running errands? Or maybe a combination of all three? Different styles of hats are better for different purposes — for instance, there are running-specific hats that are designed to be warm yet lightweight and not bulky. Some hats are more fashion-forward than practical in terms of warmth, too.

Warmth is typically what most people are looking for in a winter hat. Look for multi-layered knits, insulation like down or fur (or faux-fur) lining, and materials like wool or recycled polyester (fleece) for the most warmth.

Generally speaking, the warmest winter hats are filled with down and lined with fur, though multi-layer knit hats can also be incredibly warm, particularly with a fleece lining on the inside.

It all depends on the style of the hat itself! Beanies work well both as casual wear and as activewear, while trapper hats can be used as high-fashion or a practical means to stay very warm. There’s no right or wrong way to style winter hats — it’s all up to personal preference.

For this story, Stefanie Waldek researched a range of winter hats across price points, styles, and materials. To help make her decisions, she weighed customer reviews and incorporated her own experience with winter hats in both urban and remote environments, including four trips to Antarctica and one to the Arctic.

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